WELLINGTON TROTTING CLUB

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 313, 30 September 1926, Page 14

WELLINGTON TROTTING CLUB

ANNUAL MJ4BT2NG. The annual meeting of members of tho Wellington Trotting Club was held in the Commercial Club, Petone, last evening. There was a large attendance. Mr. R. A- Armstrong, president of the club, was in the chair. Tlie annual report and balance-sheet, previously published in these columns, were unanimously adopted. Speaking to the report, the president said that tho operations of ihe club had shown a remarkable growth since 1915. In that year tho sum of £535 was given in stakes. Ten years later the figure was £7682. More important was the improvement shown in the class of horses catered for. During recent years tho people of Wellington had been able to see the champions of the Dominion competing at tho Hutt Park. Referring to the question of “Free for AH’’ races, he said it had been the intention of the stewards to make this class of race an annual feature; but the prospects of getting really good contests last season had not been bright enough to warrant the club taking any risks in this respect. The club, however, looked upon the “Free for Alls” as most desirable in that they gave the owners of really good horses an opportunity of matching their favourites against one another under conditions that could not possibly be provided in handicap races. They also served to introduce the best in the land to the public. Although these races could not be termed good prospects financially, and although the Wdlington Trotting Club was not in a position to ignore the financial aspect ot the question, it was to be hoped that the incoming stewards would maintain the policy of the last few seasons, and, if it was at all post!blQ, include at least one "Free for All" in the new seasons rest s: desire of the club to progress and pro vide the best, both owners and for the public, and it was to be kopod that owners of good horses would respond by patronising Hie specwl etas of races provided for them. was in & splendid position nnd with careful administraten fhi hennv state of affairs could be maintained. There were many improvements contemplated in connection with the racing track and the (he nublic. Each year natrons would find some comfort added for fit- and this policy, would be continued; but they had the lessons of some clubs over-stenning themselves and getting Into difficulties. It was a very easy thing to make suggestions for splashin” money about; but the Wellington Trotting 'Club and its officers had always looked upon themselves as trus-. tees for the sporting public and the owners and trainers who provided the sinews of war, and it had., been the policy always to look ahead and take no risk of involving the club in anv way that might. eventually react to the detriment of the snort of trotting m this centre. The president concluded by saving that the opening of the new railwav would moan the end of the transport trouble that bad been such a drag upon public patronage of the Hutt Park in the past. He felt sure the club could look forward to a-great future. The election of stewards for the 192627 season resuJtejD'as follow: Messrs. R. A. Armstrong, IL L. August, J. E. August. J. Bentlev. -M, A. Carr. J. T. Craig, WzH Edwards. A. L. Johnson. J. McDonald. R. McWirter. H .A. Ryder, H. B. Ryder. J. W. Sbnrno. ,T. Sharpe, W. B. Taylor. Mr. J.- Sharne moved a vote of tharrks to . the president, Mr. R. A. Armstrong, for Hie nhlo manner in which Ro had directed tho affairs of the club. Tho club’s present position was largely due fo his efforts. The motion was carried with applause. Votes of thanks to tho retiring stewards, secretary and staff and the commercial oiub concluded the meeting.